[New information on so-called whiplash cervical trauma]

Abstract

Whiplash injuries of the cervical spine probably are much too often complained of, certified and compensated. Many of these injuries arise from suggestion and/or deliberate simulation. The difficulty of verifying minor whiplash injuries is well known and used widespread, to try gaining compensation from the insurance companies. In accidents with a collision speed of less than 20 km/h (obvious damage to the car) it is unlikely to suffer an structural injury of the cervical spine. Even accidents with a higher collision speed do not necessarily lead to a whiplash injury. An interval without symptoms is a hint against impairment. If it is not possible to get reproducible evidence of an injury caused by the accident this must clearly be stated. Therapy should impose early return to normal life-style, a soft collar is obsolete and sick leave is in contradiction to the routine rarely needed. The current way how the insurance companies compensate encourages the symptoms and needs to be revised.